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AMERICA: 



J^ DIIA.MA.TIC FOEM. 



NEW-YORK: 

^NSON" r>. F. R,^:isrr>oiL.i»ii, 

• 683 Broadway. 
1863. 






i 3 1 ^ ^. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by 

ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New-York. 



PEEFAOE. 



This little poem was chiefly written in the beginning 
of the year 1862, and reflects events and feelings more 
peculiarly belonging to that epoch of the terrible and 
momentous struggle which still convulses our land. But 
though its particular form may retain the impress of that 
moment, yet it is hoped that it will not on that ac- 
count be found destitute of power to recall the magni- 
tude of the issue, the awful solemnity of the crisis. 

Some allusion is made to the unfriendly attitude of 
Europe. While, however, we dwell sadly on the disap- 
pointment occasioned by encountering a spirit of hostil- 
ity, where the most opposite sentiment had been antici- 
pated, let us still remember that the heart of humanity 
every where beats with us whether consciously or not. 



4 Preface. 

In this faith let us strengthen ourselves. And let us 
recall with gratitude the names of some even beyond 
the ocean, who have not hesitated to speak for us in 
this our time of trouble ; above all, that of Count Gas- 
parin, who, with such unwearied patience, such earnest- 
ness of affection, has studied into the spirit of our his- 
tory and national life, and following us in every step of 
this painful struggle, has plead our cause so nobly and 
so faithfully before the tribunal of public opinion in 
Europe. 

May the hope and expectation of such friends meet 
with no disappointment through our unworthiness of the 
part we arc called to play in the destinies of mankind. 



AMERICA. 



Pottixlams of H^irghxm — ^'igljt — (§tnm of gintericE — '^lont. 



AMERICA. 

Weep ! weep ! my clouds, drench the dull night 

Avith tears, 
Ye winds of heaven, from every quarter come 
Shriek foi'th my pain, and with your outcry wild 
Let thunders mix their voice : let all the hills 
Ashamed of dumbness, send some echo back 
Responsive to my grief — But though ye poured 
Your fountains dry, O heavens ! though ye should 

rage. 
Ye thunders, till no sound were left to shake 
Tlie groaning sphere, yet would ye suit no more 
Than summer dews, or birds that sing at dawn, 



6 AMERICA. 

To s]3eak the measures of mine agony. 

Well dost thou sit, O darkness ! on these hills, 

TTell dost thou clothe about with robe obscure 

The soil once glorious, now with shame defiled, 

Disowned of all her heroes, and by doom, 

Just as the nod of heaven, condemned to drink 

The poisoned cup that to the mother's lips 

The daughter's hand upheld. — Lo ! in mine ears 
The battle sounds afar. I hear the shock 
Of arms, the deadly clash of meeting foes. 
The hoofs of war tear up the sacred sod 
That bore the common sires. The bullet flies 
By brother aimed at brother. They that- fed 
As one upon my breast, each to this heart 
Dear as the inmost currents of its life, 
Wrestle too-ether in the mad embrace 

o 

isot loosed till death for one or both divide 
The firm-strung sinewy strength, Avith palsying 

hand 
Smite down a crown of manhood in the dust. 



AMERICA. 7 

heavens ! O earth ! look on, and see what 

grief 
Provokes my bitter outcry ! — unto mine 
Compare not yours, O mothers that do sit 
Gazing, with eyes that can not see for tears, 
On faces of dead offspring, — not with yours 

1 count my sorrows, — but if one there be, 
One miserable mother in the land 
Against whose life the nursling of her love 
Hath lifted murderous hand, — against the life 
That was its source and fount, hath lifted up 
The thrice accursed parricidal stroke. 

Then let her come, for she hath known my woe. 
Then let her sit and mix her tears with mine. 
— Yet she, mayhap, would be some mother stern. 
Some cruel stepdame, and no tender care 
Had taught more reverence, — but a thorny bed 
Her bosom proved, nor could they learn so late 
A better lore, who from her lips had heard 
No word of pity drop, no lesson mild 



8 AMERICA. 

Swaying to temjDers sweet their tender age. 

But such unto my favorite sons was I ? 

Who whispered — who — the fierce and dreadful doubt 

That so it had been better — that less love 

Had wrought less hate ? — What fiend now shakes 

my soul 
Accusing weak indulgence of this fruit 
Bitter to taste as ashes of the grave ? 

Ah ! woe is me ! my children, woe is me ! 
Before whose eyes is set from day to day 
This piteous sight, than which I think the earth 
Hath none more piteous, where of those who 

formed 
One prosperous household, one fraternal band. 
Part stand around the mother to defend 
With sword and blood, part spurred with impious 

rage 
Press on to take her life. Woe ! woe ! is me, 
Who brings me comfort ? O ye winds of night ! 
Ye that have searched earth's utmost corners out. 



AMERICA. 9 

And spoiled them of their secrets, let some word 
Fall with sweet healing on my burning wound ! 

VOICE OF THE SOUTH WIXD. 

What wilt thou have, O melancholy one ! 
What wilt thou learn of me ? 

AMEiaCA. 

Sweet is thy voice, 
Sweet in mine ears, O South ! 

SOUTH WIKD. 

No happy word 
Is set unto its music. 

AMERICA. 

Say not so. 
Thou on whose dewy wings is lingering still 
The scented breath of gardens far away 
That never cease to bloom, but month by month 
The rose unfolds her heart, and woos the sun 
To hide amid her robes more splendid rays 



lo AMERICA. 

Of crimson or of gold. Methinks I hear 
Beneath thy sigh, the rustling sound that creeps 
Among the tall magnolias, that reflect 
From burnished leaves, like shields, the moon's pale 

gleam. 
I hear the myriad voices that ascend 
From pathless forests, silent all the day. 
But when the night his sudden mantle flings, 
Begins tumultuous revel, — nature's joy 
Unchecked, exultant, and until the dawn 
The wild vociferous uproar doth not cease. 

SOUTH WIND. 

So, could I heal thee ! 

AMEEICA. 

Through the dull lagoons 
I hear the waters, sobbing as they go, 
And from the sand -bound coasts whose whitening 
line 



AMERICA. , II 

Wearies from day to day the straining sight 
Of lookers, out at sea, mine ear there greets 
An echo, as of thunder, where his rage 
The vexed Atlantic pours, and seeks to draw 
Back to his yesty deep the groaning shores, 
Where yet his restless fury heaps amain 
The spoil of deep sea-bottoms, and builds out 
The habitable land with increase got 
Out of the bosom of his hungry wave. 

SOUTH WIXD. 

How like wind-harassed waves, the stormy sighs 
Chase one another through thy laboring breath ! 

AMERICA. 

Methinks I see the broad and whitening fields, 
Dumb in the starlight, ripe, but not for food. 
Snowy, but not with cold. Betwixt their rows 
Shall busy feet be moving, on the morn. 
And sable hands be thrust in contrast stranore 



12 AMERICA. 

Amid the stainless fruit, to gather in 

The harvest pure, whereof the world is glad. 

SOUTH WIND. 

Alas ! for this the world shall ne'er be glad. . 

AMERICA. 

O vexing wind ! the voices of my sons, 
My well-beloved ! I hear amid thy sighs. 
My fair and noble sons, on whom have fallen 
All bounties of my love, the chosen gifts 
Of earth and heaven — I hear, but not discern 
The pleasant sounds. Interpret thou for me. 

SOUTH WIXD. 

Thou hearest, O thou mother sad ! too well. 

A^IERICA. 

My proud and beauteous race, for Avhom I bore 
A thousand sorrows, whom to sj^are one fear 



AMERICA. 13 

I gave ray strength, ray glory, and ray hope, 

Yea, but to shield them when their summer blood 

"Welled up Avithin them as a fount defiled 

Of tyrannous design, and purpose fixed 

On Avild and barbarous use of savage right ; 

Lent them, while all the world looked on and 

frowned. 
The bright and stainless honor of my name. 
To shield them from their shame, nor gave one 

thought 
That so on me its blackening guilt must fall. 
To be washed out in blood — their blood and mine. 
Tell me not now, thou false, deceitful breath. 
All are against rae, all ; that not one voice 
Is raised to plead in presence of the rest 
The dear and filial claim, to noble souls 
Sacred forever, last to lose its hold 
On those most reckless of all law beside. 
That not one heart beats quicker, when some word 
Stirs the old memories of those happier days, 



H 



AMERICA. 



When, from our seat, in union and in pride, 
We scoffed at danger and defied the world. 

SOUTH WIND. 

Not one ! Not one ! 

AMERICA. 

Thou art too deaf to hear. 
How canst thou know what thoughts in silence 

brood 
Where fear is master, and the uttered word 
Were like a solemn sentence, bearing death 
Home to the speaker's heart, e'er yet his li23S 
Had ceased their motion ? Many now do wait, 
Faithful in voiceless patience, many more 
To dull despair have yielded up the truth 
That yet is mine, though hope be stifled long 
Beneath the w^eight of grief. Ah ! me, ah ! me, 
My heart is racked with anguish, and anew 
My wounds are felt to bleed. — Ill-omened voice 



AMERICA. 15 

I'll no more of thee ; from the East there comes 

A cooler breath ; unto my burning brow 

It brings a freshening moisture from the deep ; 

Unto my heart, some message good and pure, 

Conferring strength, and bracing up to deed 

Heroic, urging on the fainting soul 

To hope, to nobler zeal, to victory. 

Some message from the shores beyond the sea. 

From sisters well beloved, and honored well. 

Who, having known in part what grief I bear. 

Put forth a hand, or, if not so, a voice 

To cheer me, that not utterly I fail. 

Answer ! swift messenger of rising suns. 

What happy omens of a coming morn 

Tlieir loving eyes have seen, who watch for me 

All through this murky night, in watch-towers set 

Of ancient days in heights beyond the clouds. 

VOICE OF THE EAST WIND. 

No happy omen do their eyes discern 



i6 AMERICA. 

Whose eager looks another Avay arc bent 

Than ^vhere the dawn, if such remam for thee, 

Shall lift the dusky edges of thy night ; 

Whose glances drink the blackness of thy slianie 

With more delight than ever fairest rays 

Of crowned Auroras in the flaming east. 

AMERICA. 

What is this word, what is this note of ill? 
Prithee shrill blast, blow shriller, that mine car 
May not mistake thine import. 

EAST WIXD. 

Dost thou mark 
How flies the shout of triumph still, as flies 
Across your billowy waste some fresher tale 
Of sorrow that hath met thee, some new stroke 
That bows thy head to earth? 

AMEKICA. 

I hear, I hear 



AMERICA. 17 

Strange sounds of exultation, what they mean 
I know not. 

EAST WIXD. 

Flatter ! flatter not thine heart, 
Helpless art thou, and hopeless, if thy help 
Or hope from other than thyself must come. 
Alone thou standest in thy bitter need, 
Alone and friendless. Scoffed at by the world. 
By saints unpitied, for thy sin that brought 
This evil on thee, and by sinners scorned 
For that thy pride had lifted thee too high 
For brooking of their own, and now, that fallen, 
The sweetness of revenge, without the cost. 
Rewards the long impatience of their wish. 

AMERICA. 

Tell me of her, the noble one that sits 
Alone amid the seas, her from whose breast 
I drew my heart's best life, whose tongue is mine. 
Whose glories are my glories, whom to owe 



i8 AMERICA. 

All that has lifted me above the rest, — 
Save that I dared to claim my separate right, 
And claiming hold it — is my willing boast. 
Tell me that word which now to all the rest 
She adds at such an horn*, when peril hangs 
So deadly, threatening all to both most dear, 
Tell me the word in that beloved tongue 
Whose accents yet shall ring, clear, bold, and 

sweet. 
The world around, and all its sleepers wake. 
So her own lark at morn, up springs and leaves 
The misty ground, and soars and sings so loud. 
Up ! up ! for now the sun has left his bed, 
No time for dreams and dewy slumbers more, 
Up ! up ! with me, to meet the golden morn. 

EAST WIXD. 

Alas ! alas ! 

AMERICA. 

Hast thou no more reply? 



AMERICA. 19 

England is of her many conquests sure, 
Who, in the girdle of her rule, includes 
The habitable earth, and makes the sea 
Her highT\'ay. England sits with blindfold eyes, 
Like justice, and the even balance holds 
Which, who by bold rebellious act dares move 
Straight downward goes and settles his own doom. 
Happy ! thrice happy land, of all I know ! 
Who, in the dear affection of her sons, 
Makes chiefest boast, nor shall she ever blush 
To name her noble offspring, stout and brave : ' 
For her they count no droj) of blood too dear, 
And she their love with equal love repays. 
Yet has she tasted sorroAv, so can know 
Part that I prove, and from her happy lot 
By contrast guess the rest. 

EAST WIND. 

But not to mourn, 



20 AMERICA. 

Rather with hideous mocktJiy to deride 
Of rude and tuneless laughter. 

AMERICA. 

It is well ! 
But there was yet another, one whose hand 
Placed firm on mine when there was bitter need. 
Once nerved me for my conflict. She whose step 
Once in this race was foremost, — from Avhose lips 
Went forth that clarion note of ''Liberty, 
Equality, and Brotherhood," for man. 
It sounded far, its echoes have not died, 
Xot even to her own hearing, though she close 
Reluctant ears, for still it shall return 
Thrown back in myriad voices from all shores - 
That men inhabit, till the time shall come. 
That she hath learnt once more to sing and shout. 
And join with clearer notes that chorus sweet. 
Knowing the meaning now, which once unknown 
And from her thought far absent, when her call 



AMERICA. 21 

Was loudest, was not claimed at such demand. 
Then in its stead came horror, blood, and death, 
Reason's unthroning ; then old tyrannies 
Bound on with bands of iron, forged anew 
In that fierce fire of horror ; then a seal 
Set on despair for many wxary days 
" Wherein the light is hidden, though the sun 
Lives still amid the heavens. Tell me of her. 
Though scarce I hope, for those are passed away 
Whose names are in my heart, wlien with my 

tongue 
I utter hers. 

EAST AVIXD. 

Why shouldst thou further ask, 
Since none stand Avith thee ? 

AMERICA. 

Yea! for of them all 
These two, the first and noblest, lead alone 
The van of nations. Silence, O my heart! 



22 AMERICA. 

Silence ! keep down my tears. I sliall not a\ ee}), 
Xor fail, but gather up my single might, 
And dare the hour alone. Once, once I stood 
In joy upon my solitary shore. 
Fearless I stood, nor did I seek their love. 
Strong in the might within me, strong in thesCj 
These household traitors, then I called aloud 
The Avorld was silent listening for the voice 
That signalled joy and hope to all the race, 

EAST AVIXD. 

Xow to thyself returns thy boastful shout 

In drear reverberations. Lo ! the fruit 

Of all thy sowing, while the seed is known 

In this rank poisonous crop, that kills the air 

And with its exhalations foul defiles 

The very heavens. 

AMERICA. 

Mock on ! mock on ! 'tis meet 



AMERICA. 23 

That scorn be joined to sorroAv, and my heart 
By one more stroke be proved, that men may 

know 
What stuff 'tis made of, whether this, or that, 
Shall force it to its breaking ; yet I think 
There's something in it yet that shall survive 
A longer crushing. Though the w^eight of years, 
Packed full of grief, should hinder every throb. 
And make it beat in time Avith funeral bells 
That toll the sleeper's way, when loving friends 
Bear him to his low chamber in the dust ; 
Yea! though 'twere buried, buried in a grave 
As deep as to the mountain's steadfast roots. 
And with the mountains hurled like monuments 
To mark its hope as ended; yet I think 
'Twould beat beneath them still, and on a day, 
In one great act upgathering all the force 
Matured in silence, startle dreamers round 
With throes of resurrection. In my soul 
I hear the whisper of a secret voice. 



24 AMERICA. 

The prophecy of life. Xo hand profane 
Shall quench in ntter night that fire divine. 
Which for the world's deliverance in me burns. 

EAST wi:n"d. 

Strange hope thou utterest, and a bolder scope 
Hast set unto thy thoughts than suits the bounds 
And destinies of nations. 

AMEEICA. 

I will speak 
Of former things, and will recall the days 
Of youth, now far behind me, by a gap 
As wide as death, cut off from that which is. 
When thus I stood, and cried with voice as clear 
As bugles, or as trumpets, that clieer on 
To victory ; Lo ! I wait, I wait to know, 
Ye lands, the high decrees of destiny. 
The glorious offspring I of all your strength 
And heir of all your greatness, yea than all 



AMERICA. 25 

More nobly portioned, where I stand alone 
Betwixt these oceans, whose wide rolling waves 
Are servitors to me, to bring me spoils 
Of many isles; whereon I well shall feed 
With inward wealth, unsummed and measureless. 
Rich in all bomities I, of generous heaven. 
And earth beneath, and of the flowing deep, 
But most in hope, that to your wearied age 
But faintly comes. All hail! ye golden years, 
All hail ! thou wondrous future that is mine. 
Since light is yours, and wisdom without end. 
Prosperity and joy. Through all my veins 
The bounding pulses play, my heart is set. 
My eye is fixed on summits yet unclimbed. 
Blue in the misty distance, shining fair 
In all soft glories of the morning sun. 
There, there await my eager, panting steps, 
The unknown splendors of the great "to be." 
Farewell ! farewell ! old champions in this race, 
Your time is passed. O sisters ! ye did well, 



26 AMERICA. 

But now your time is passed. Here where I 

stand 
Bounteous and full, I call, I shout aloud, 
My voice to earth's remotest bound goes forth; 
Ho ! all ye poor, who have no food nor rest, 
Ye to whom life is bitter, ye for whom 
There seems on earth no room. Lo ! here is 

room. 
Food, freedom, rest. See how they leave your 

arms. 
Your unfed children, with their hunger weak, 
Your persecuted wanderers — they to me 
Come flying in their need, and I for all 
Have ready welcome and a full supply. 
I who have broken for myself the yoke 
That once your tyrants forced my neck to bear, 
Have such a heart as beats in sympathy 
With all that suffer wrong, and loves the slave, 
(Save that upon one neck I place my foot 
And hold it firm, wherein my will or right 



AMERICA. 27 

Let no man question,) therefore, when ye see 
My starry banner floating to the wind 
Rejoice ye lands, and shout for liberty. 

VOICE OF THE NOETH WINl). 

Lo ! I, the rapid messenger of storms, 

With face set Southward, whose wide whirling 

wings 
Shake down amid their motion flights of rain, 
Cold dews of night, sharp frosts, and mantling 

snows. 
And with a touch, in many a torpid brain 
Quicken the stagnant life, and set in flow 
The sluggish blood in many a drooping heart. 
I bid thee hail, O glorious hope of men! 
And bring thee loyal greetings, love, and faith. 
From sons that fly to aid, with weaponed arm. 
And lavished blood, and treasure without stint, 
The mother's dessperate need. 



28 AMERICA. 

AMERICA. 

Sons against sons, 
My sweetest tidings. 

NORTH WIKD. 

Who shall dare to weigh 
Claims filial and fraternal? who shall see 
The brother's hand, if in its frenzied grasp 
Glistens the accursed blade of parricides? 
These ponder not in unresolved despair 
The question's awful terms, but seeing clear, 
Through all dim clouds of horror, fear, and doubt. 
The one solution, push aside with scorn 
Revolting thoughts, and make their shuddering 

wills 
Leap forward to that fixed and holy work, 
Sole hope and sole deliverance. 

AMERICA. 

Is it so? 



AMERICA. 29 

O fate ! not yet, not yet my heart accepts 
Thy hard decree, but like a stormy deep, 
Lashing its rocky barriers, so my soul 
Spends its own strength in wild and fierce dissent. 
Not breaks nor alters thine. 

NOETH WEST). 

What further word 
Of mine can bring thee comfort? 

AMERICA. 

Yet speak on. 
For what if all were traitors? Though in part 
The house be fallen, yet that some pillars stand 
To hold the whole from ruin — it is well. 

NORTH WIND. 

Faint is thy voice, and joyless, yet not faint 
Their hearts who love thee. All thy mighty 
North 



30 AMERICA. 

Moves as a single man, swayed by one thought, 
Led by one counsel, to retrieve thy doom, 
Even though at cost of all. "Who treasured once 
Their hard-earned gold, now cast it down, with 

scorn 
Uncounted, in thy service; who loved life. 
Love it the more, that they may sell it dear, 
Offering the price to thee. Here lovers miss 
The eyes that were their morning, brothers press 
A last dear kiss on sisters' cheeks, and sons 
Turn not again at hearing that God-speed 
From mothers' lips, that falter not though pale; 
No doubt nor murmur's heard, only each one 
Asks his own heart the question, "What have I?" 
How shall my little strength be made to serve 
The moment's solemn uses ? So thy thought 
Controls all motions, sways with force supreme 
Each warm heart's leaping impulse, guides and 

thrills 
Fingers, that over slender to uplift 



AMERICA. 31 

The heavy sword that must undo thy wrong, 
Are all the fitter for a meeker toil, 
That helps thy helpers, comforts those who give 
Their manhood and their all, to comfort thee. 
And be not hopeless, for where faith is found 
Strength also dwells, and fullness. Turn and look; 
Know thy true-hearted North, her step is firm 
Though light and buoyant, through the tide of 

youth 
That swells her veins, the measure of glad hope 
That in her heart she bears. Her brow is clear, 
Open as heaven, with majesty there writ 
Of purpose measured still with love and truth. 
And in her gentle eyes the steady fire 
Burns tender, deep, and true. Oh! trust her well. 
While wdth slow aim, deliberate, one by one 
Her giant blows descend to cut thy way 
Straight on to victory, while that loyal faith, 
Like leaven, shall work from hers to hearts less 

firm, 



32 AMERICA. 

Her courage high inspire the feebler breasts. 
Till. with the subtle force that ever lives 
In noble deeds, she win the recreants back. 
And former days return, to crown thy brows 
With more than former glories. 

AMEEICA. 

Can it be ? 

Yet less than this were nothing.— For their hearts 

That hate me, for these only do I j)ine ; 

No other victory, other were defeat. 

How can I make my children to my slaves ? 

NORTH WIXD. 

Yet force must be first winner, strike the sword, 
Whose sight still maddens, from the mad one's 

grasp. 
Release some true hearts from the spell of fear; 
Some that of truth or treachery make a badge 
According to the fashion, giving leave 



AMERICA. 33 

That to unpin and this to fasten on 
A sleeve that matches either. 

AMERICA. 

Heaven speed 
My champions, for their own cause, and for mine, 
And for my lost ones, 

NORTH WIKD. 

Hear the tramp of feet 
That breaks the night. Her gathering thousands 

march. 
Their horses' hoofs make music on the ground 
That shakes beneath them. In the midst is heard 
The rumbling of her dread artillery. 
Whose flaming mouths e'er long shall hold dis- 
course 
Than reason's self more potent, while on high 
Above the whole, its sign and argument, 
That banner floats, out of whose starry heaven 



34 AMERICA. 

No missing orb is dropped, but perfect still 
Its constellations shine, and with the past 
Link on a glorious future. 

AMERICA. 

Yet, on these 
I did not pour my favors. They it seems 
Are prosperous, — feel within their honest hearts 
The swelling, grateful tide, whose wealth must pour 
About my feet, as author of their good. 
And yet methinks, 'twas but a meagre choice 
I left these brave ones, when my best was set 
At service of my darlings. Rough the w^ays 
I taught their feet to walk in from the first. 
And on a hard, scarce cultivable soil. 
Bade them with sweat of brow, and calloused 

hands. 
Exact therefrom their portion. Rude the storms 
That vexed their coasts, or through their valleys 

bleak 



AMERICA. 35 

Swept chill and void of pity, while the snows 
Covered for many months their scanty fields. 
And summer's proper measure ever lacked 
When longest. If they found upon my thorn 
Some flowers, I knew it not, and if the flower 
Into such fruit has ripened as I see, 
Let them their own good hearts and steadfast 

wills. 
Their days and nights of cheerful labor thank, 
And leave to me my wisdom and my choice. 
To smell my rose, — my rose, that dropping now 
Its petals one by one, leaves me to feel 
On torn and bleeding lips, Avhat stays behind. 
That sweet show perished, and that fragrance fled, 

NORTH WIND. 

They will not hear thee, but with shouts and joy. 
And loyal love, and numbering one by one 
The blessings got through thee, repeat thy name, 
Calling on all to know, and to confess 



36 AMERICA. 

No bands of duty and of faith so strong 
As those which unto thee thy children bind. 
Nor will they hear dispraised that sterner lot, 
Whose helpful hardness braced their sinews up 
To manlier vigor — braced their minds within 
To choose from day to day the nobler part. 
And by the needful discij)line of pain 
Taught to discern 'twixt pleasures false and true, 
'Twixt boasts of present power, and that whose 

base 
Eternal, shall not shake ; 'twixt license wild. 
Or willful mastery, and the glorious use 
Of freedom, whereunto the soul is bora. 

AHEKICA. 

Yet have I robbed them, with unwilling eyes 
Beheld their growing wealth, and saw them claim 
The larger place in counsel. Soon, I said. 
These will stand foremost to uphold my name 
In sight of men ; their choice too much prevail, 



i 



AMERICA. 37 

Changing a thousand customs, dear through use, 
Whether for worse or better. Fool ! to see 
So far, and not what now I see too well 
Too late, what black and infamous abyss 
Already yawned to swallow all my pride, 
Unless these loving hands prove strong enough 
To hold me up from ruin. So I mocked, 
Reproved, and checked them, ever more pushed 

back 
Their forward steps, but still within the code 
Of that most perfect, just, and balanced law 
That over me and them I set at first 
Our safeguard, and our warranty of good. 
That bound I never passed, nor these approached 
Its sacred limits, but with holy awe 
Inviolate held what they the bulwark deemed 
Of human liberties and natural right. 
But those have laughed at love alike, and fear, 
Me, and my highest gift at once they spurn, 
And by one bold, high-handed act of crime, 



38 AMERICA. 

With treachery for its warrant, will undo 
The whole world's history, turn the ages back 
On their sIqw march, to find again that night, 
Whence in slow pain, at price of toil and blood, 
Earth's heroes had released them, scorning life, 
For happier men to purchase better days. 

VOICE OF THE WEST WIXD. 

I bear thee from thy children of the West 
Victorious greetings, and outrun with news 
Their loyal feet, who haste to crown thy brows 
With earliest laurels of this fateful strife. 

-AMERICA. 

What word hast thou? 

WEST WIND. 

Forth from their prairies rushed 
The gallant bands, soon as the tidings came 
Of laws reviled, and fealty despised, 



AMERICA. 39 

And danger threatening through a treacherous blow 
All that uplifts with thee thy faithful sons 
Above the common lot. With valiant hands, 
Armed or unarmed they came, with hearts on fire. 
And brave intent to rescue or to die. 
So furnished, swept they down upon thy foes, 
And from Virginia's western quarter first 
Banished the fell invader, drove him well 
Within his rebel bounds. On flying feet 
Of consternation, strewing as he went 
Arms, baggage, tents, and furniture of war. 
He shunned the furious onset, and defeat 
Still marked from field to field his way in blood. 
Now from his lair beyond the ridgy hills 
With greedy disappointment still he eyes 
The rescued booty, and but waits the hour. 
To spring again, and seize on all he's lost. 
While faithful still the saviours of the soil 
Stand watching to defend, and from his rear 
He yet may hear a shout more terrible 



40 AMERICA. 

^Than first dismayed him, then with vain attempt 
Strive to ehide his captors, but their bands 
Shall hold him fast, and lead him to thy feet. 

AMERICA. 

Glad news of sorrow ! joy whose welcoming 

Is bitter with my tears, — but not with mine 

For many, counting life itself too cheap 

To buy such tidings, hearing, with no smile 

Reward the bringer, but, as David, cry. 

My son ! my son ! my brother ! would to God 

That I had died for thee. 

WEST WIKD. 

Art so displeased ? 

AMERICA. 

But black should be my triumph's livery, 
And solemn funeral marches usher in 
My pageant, when with spoils of victory 



AMERICA. 41 

I enter at the gates, this contest done. 
Strange contest where the conqueror gains in loss, 
The conquered lose to gain, and I their woes 
Must weep, while they, by chastisement made wise. 
Receive the forfeit love once more, and care 
And privilege of sons. 

WEST WIND. 

No welcome hast 
For happy tidings? 

AMEEICA. 

Yet through all its pain 
Doth not my heart leap up to hear these deeds 
Of my last born, my warrior of the West? 

WEST WIND. 

Expect more glorious things, for now their foot 
Stands planted where the giant waters meet, 
That bear the commerce of their golden soil 



42 AMERICA. 

Down to the Southern sea. Thence shall they 

hold 
That mighty border, on whose shiftmg line 
Rebellion's stormy waves now surge and lash, 
Bidding the firm hills tremble. These shall make 
Their hearts the barrier, and wdth strong advance 
Drive the proud billows backward, till they meet 
The nether sea, and in its depths be lost. 

AMERICA. 

Yet who assures me ? Who discerns the end ? 
What sign rebukes my fear, or promised grace 
Gives me an anchor through this night of storm, 
A hold upon the heavens, which now no voice 
Permit to hear, but such as smites my soul 
With wrathful accents, and imports despair? 
How shall I, gallant sons, cry, "Lift your hearts, 
Courage!" "God speed ye w^ell," while still re- 
turns, 
As if my voices echo from all lands. 



AMERICA. 43 

The inauspicious cry, " 'Tis done, and fallen 
The glory of thy greatness ; know it well : 
Being fallen, aspire no more, nor think to mend 
With rivets new the broken chain that held 
Thy destinies from shipwreck, or cement 
A violated league, that was no more, 
With vain expense of blood." 

VOICE OF THE EIVERS. 

Ah ! me. Ah ! me. 
I wonder and cry out with thee, 

New and unthought agony 

Seizes on me suddenly, 

For of old my shining bands 

He laid upon the lands. 
The net with skillful hands he wove, 
Beneath the sun its meshes shone, 
And in the pale-rayed moon ; 
And every knot was set to prove 
Some mystery of love. 



44 AMERICA. 

Ah ! me. Ah ! me. 
What hand hath rent, hath torn in twain, 
Our cunning net, our shining chain ? 
Is the love of heaven in vain? 

That hath written its intent 

Over this fair continent; 
Written plain in lines of light, 
To be read by day or night? 

Shall my waves then backward flow? 

Seek the sources whence they came. 
In the mountains capped with snow, 

Or forgotten of their fame 

Slip into the gulf below? 

VOICE OF THE MOUNTArN-S. 

Of an ancient race are we, 
Barriers older than the soil, 
Older than the sea. 
Who shall break the strong decree, 



AMERICA. 45 

By which He, the mighty One, 

Lifted us to taste the sun? 

Shall His word of power once more 

Put an end to light and bliss, 

Open up the drear abyss. 

Where we dwelt with night before ? 

Shall we sleep with death again? 

Since His signals speak in vain, 

And the mortal nations know 

Wall nor limit to their power, 

Nor whither in their hour 

Their rash usurping waves may flow ? 



VOICE OF THE SEAS. 

I, Ocean, from the North, the East, the West, 

With forced retreat that day 
Fled, at His stern behest. 

Who shaped her shores, 
And broadly laid her bounds, with port and bay, 



46 AMERICA. 

And harbors good, like mighty entrance doors 
Set wide for commerce. One the line 

That from the northward swept 
Down to the stormy gulf, 

Whose warmer waters leapt 
With impulse strange, henceforth to meet, 
With new embrace, by contrast sweet, 
And by the voice divine. 
My chilling tides, that roll 
Ice laden from the pole ; 
And on her western shore. 
With mighty surge and roar, 
My billows broke in vain. 
For He that said, "O land! be one." 

Made firmer his decree. 
Than that strength-shattering waves of mine 
Could foil the great design. 

One, therefore, let it be, 
From North to South, 
From rising unto setting sun. 



AMERICA. 47 

VOICE OF THE LAKES. 

Midway the continent, behold! 

Our emerald waters dance, 
And, tipped with sunny gold. 

Out of their lucid fountains glance 
To kiss the gladsome light. 
So clear are we and bright, 
E'er since His mighty hand 
Pressed deep the fertile land. 
And touched the living springs below. 
In one unbroken chain 
Half M'-ay from main to main. 
Through basins wide. He bade them flow, 
And said, "Bear up upon your breast, 
O waves ! the commerce of the West, 

And lead it to the sea. 
Te, on the North, for such a land 
As now my wisest grace hath planned, 
And closed about from strand to strand, 
A boundary shall be." 



4^ AMERICA. 

AMERICA. 

Ah! me. Ah! me. 
Still with his God at war, with nature still, 
Is man, and ever thwarts with random spite 
The will of sovereign love. Should I be vile 
Even as he, and dare reproach that grace 
Which, able to control, leaves free to choose 
This creature frail, who still so awful power 
Turns to his own destruction? I have heard 
This always to be true, that God hath planned. 
And man with scorn rejected, every good 
That to his lot is suited. Eden first — 
That lost, still some new garden, planted fair 
With pleasant shoots thence rescued, all alike 
His foot hath trampled, and the curse of thorns 
Hath come upon it, through his wanton pride. 
So, shall this last and fairest run to waste? 
O destiny ! O power of endless grace ! 
Forbid! forbid, the sacrilege, the shame. 
The loss unsummed, that time shall not repair. 



AMERICA. 49 

Give mercy, — now is time for grace, and proof 
Of all-sufficient might — some way devise, 
O T\dsdom ! — sure a way is hid with thee, 
A cure for all this madness of the heart. 
And thou wilt heal. — But woe is me, I fear, 
My spirit trembles in me, lest this time 
God interpose not, since I know his plan 
Gives little room for wonders ; unto man, 
Man's way he leaves, if he himself will slay, 
No hand omnipotent shall strike aside 
The dagger from its aim. 

[Shades of Bevolutionary heroes pass in solemn prO' 
cession. 

Ha! what new sight 
Affrights the stars, and startles from their sleep 
The shadow-cradling hills? — Sure to my thoughts 
An answer, to mine unbelief a sign! 
Or rather from my wild and teeming brain 
A monstrous product, that to fancy's eyes 
Appears than sense more real. . . . 



so AMERICA. 

O Shapes obscure ! 
That round the moonlit margin of the vale 
Wind slow your ominous way, declare, speak out, 
And with intelligible words make known 
If such ye be, as unto me ye seem. 

All's silence, — yet if ever from their graves 
The dead upstarting, walk this world once more, 
'Tis in such guise they come, and lo ! the forms 
And lineaments of heroes long asleep. 
Known unto me each one — each one beloved. 
With heads bowed low as if through weight of 

grief 
'Twixt where I stand and yonder massive gloom 
At solemn pace they glide, as if their ears 
Heeded some spectral music, and anon 
Each bends on me his melancholy gaze, 
Then with a slow obeisance jDasses on. 
O souls of patriots ! could not death make strong 
His fetters, but that ye must also come 
To break my heart with memories ? — Nay ! put on 



AMERICA. 51 

The very robe of flesh ye wore of old, 
Stand once more in your places, let men hear 
Each voice severed, to those grand accents tuned. 
That once compelled assent, though long withheld. 
Even from the unwilling. It may be that then 
The traitors will grow true, the faithless sons 
Unto the fathers' creed return, the spoiled 
And wasted heritage be fair once more 
With pains of prosperous toil. Yet nay! yet nay! 
Even so their blind eyes would refuse to see. 
Their ears be deaf as ever. Since your graves, 
Once hallowing all the soil, can not rebuke, 
Nor former words remembered, all in vain 
Your living lips would speak. 

"Nay I who art thou ? 
O chief of heroes, and of patriots first ! 
Great father of thy country ! proved thy tomb 
Too narrow also, when its walls received 
This tumult of our strife ? Can trumpets break. 
And shouts of war, and cannons with their roar, 



52 AMERICA. 

So sacred peace ? — Nay ! turn not thou on rae 
The mild reproach that sits within thine eyes. 
That can I not endure, for what in me 
Of blame discernest? Clean I know my skirts, 
But thy great work of life, undone ! undone ! 
Except with mightier hand than ever yet, 
God smite the evil, turn the torrent back 
Of whelming wrath, as my avenger stand, 
And take the victory. 

See ! they pass, they pass, 
The blackness of the night in yonder glen 
Receives them — so they leave me to my woe. 

CHORUS OF APOSTATE SPIRITS. 

See ! as if with sudden pain. 

Vanquished, to the earth she falls. 
Who the doubtful life recalls ? 

Let her lie there, ours the gain! 

Who to me, of ancient time. 
Whispered warnings of a date, 



AMERICA. S3 

By the ordinance of fate 
Set to misery and crime ? 

Not to-night, and not to-morrow, 
Comes an end of human sorrow ; 
Mischief without us is brewing, 
Man is still his own undoing. 

Every gift that Heaven sends him 
Loses virtue as he takes it. 
With his sin a curse he makes it ; 

Nothing helps him, nothing mends him. 

Therefore, I rejoice securely. 
Holding now my throne more surely, 
Knowing that no coming day 
Holds for him a treasure, greater 
Than his hand now flings away. 

ANGEL OP COMFORT. 

Hist ! hist ! she sleeps, — or is it rather death, 



54 AMERICA. 

Or but a swoon of grief ? Her languid lids 
Betray no motion, on my hand no breath 
Makes known she lives. O fair and noble head! 
Art thou laid low forever ? — is this end 
Put to thy thoughts sublime, and the rude earth 
So soon thy pillow? — yet it shall not be. 
Rest, sleeper, on my heart, and if one spark 
Of vital power yet linger, let this touch 
Disturb its slumber, — let this kiss of mine, 
Pressing thy two pale lips, send through thy veins 
A kindling tide of warm and ruddy life. 
And reenforce at once with full supplies 
Its failing fount, to former health restored. 

AMERICA. 

Methought an evil presence hovered near 
And bound my brows with iron. 

ANGEL OF COMFORT. 

None is here, 
I only. 



AMERICA. 55 

AMERICA. 

' What hast thou to do with me? 

ANGEL OF COMFOET. 

To bring thee comfort. 

AMERICA. 

Comfort ? — even so 
They mock the desperate ! — yet I think thy look 
Hath something in it that might cheer, though 

death 
Leered close behind thee. Prithee tell thy name. 

ANGEL. 

Even as mine oflSce, is, for thee, my name. 

AMERICA. 

How wilt thou comfort such an one as I ? 



56 AMERICA. 

ANGEL. 

Making thee turn thine eyes away, from ill. 

AMERICA, 

Shall they then rest on naught ? 

ANGEL. 

On good alone, 
UntU a little strengthened. 

AMERICA. 

Dost thou see 
Good then? — that can not I. 

ANGEL. 

I bid thee look. 

AMERICA. 

I look on thee, and through so beauteous sight 
My soul is fed with strength. 



AMERICA. 57 

I bid thee see 
Cause of more hopeful courage. 

AMERICA. 

Wilt thou name 
Such cause more clearly? 

ANGEL. 

Yet thou mayst prevail. 

AMERICA. 

Knowest thou that? — O sweet and tranquil voice! 
Speak on. 

ANGEL. 

What nation yet hath touched 
Its pinnacle of greatness, but an hour 
Hath intervened, of strange and fearful test? 
Shouldst thou expect exemption? Then thy part 



58 AMERICA. 

Were but a mean one; none should ever know 
If gold thou wert, or only sparkling clay. 
But trodden and defiled by feet of men, 
Soon wouldst thou be forgotten. Yet thy place 
Is on the very forehead of the world. 

AMEEICA. 

This also would I know, for scorn hath met 
Such weakness in me, that I live in doubt 
Of any virtue — since my children hate 
In part — I see not cause for any love. 
And guilt in some discovered makes me fear 
Lest such corruption, springing from the heart, 
Have tainted all the members. 

ANGEL. 

Yet not so, 
For truth lifts high her sceptre in the land, 
And loyalty is waxed to such a pitch 
As earth hath never witnessed. Also prayers 



AMERICA. 59 

Ascend for thee, from lips that God regards, 
Making the morning vocal, and the night, 
And through the noisy noon they find a way 
To heaven's gates ; nor shall they plead in vain. 

AMERICA. 

Into a prayer, my heart that promise turns. 

AlfGEL. 

Millions of hearts still brood and think on thee, 
Of thee is all their counsel. Fear not thou. 
Though some do temper still their faithful love 
With meek submission, waiting for His will, 
Who rules the nations, since therefrom no loss 
Unto thy cause shall come. Hear even now 
How one discourses with her secret soul. 

VOICE OF A WOMAN VERY FAR AWAY. 

Out of the South the battle-fiend up-soars ; 
He shakes a banner, red with brother's blood, 



6o AMERICA. 

And from the utmost borders comes a cry 
AnsAvering the baleful signal. Wildly leaps 
The nation's heart of fire. To arms they throng, 
And o'er the advancing myriads, lightning-robed, 
Hovers the avenger. O my land, my land! 
Thine horn* is on thee. God has lifted high 
His sword, long sheathed — now shall be known 

through thee 
Justice exalted over all vain schemes 
Of little souls, mad with self-worshipping ; 
Now truth shall speak in accents to be heard 
By those who can not hear the inward voice 
Or words prophetic, out of lips of love. 
Be not thou deaf upon this chosen day, 
So shall its hours be shortened, and no stroke 
Too deeply smite ; — thy vigor shall return. 
Thy course proceed with joy, thou yet shalt taste 
Jehovah's bounties without measure poured 
O'er the obedient land that seeks his name. 
Yet know I not what destinies o'erhang 



AMERICA. 61 

The coming years, — with mournful heart . I wait 
And watch the gathering omens. These no joy, 
No promise bring; no hour is this for pride, 
Light boasts, and careless triumph. Now behoves 
On sin to think, and with abased mien 
Implore compassion, lest our load of guilt 
Amid these waves should sink us utterly. 
Yet unto one who still with earnest eyes 
Follows and marks the goings forth of Him 
Who rules amid the thunders, Hope is bom 
Daughter of Faith, Avith meek Experience joined. 
Nor will he fear, knowing that thus of old 
Evil is made the minister of good, 
And that the headlong w^ill of selfish man 
Still works the purpose of a calmer choice, 
Serene in wisdom. So I look on thee. 
My country, and the love I bear thy soil 
Grows the fair sequel of a higher far. 
Wherewith in patriot links my heart is joined 
Unto my truer birthland; her in thee 



6z AMERICA. 

I ever see, and for her sake thy peace 

Is dear, and though when gayly on the breeze 

Thy colors float, the blood within my veins 

Dances for exultation and for joy. 

Yet with a deeper thrill I see in thought 

Above the heights of that celestial home, 

A blood red banner float in air serene, 

Our tumults reach not, nor shall any hand 

Of foe or rebel shake it where it stands, 

Guarded with power eternal. Round it throng 

The hosts of God's redeemed, name after name 

Answering the roll-call. Gladly go they forth 

To spread the peaceful triumphs of their King. 

This is my land beloved, whose fairer shore 

I see afar in visions of the night; 

And when I wake, her thought is with me still. 

AMERICA. 

This is a sacred mood, and yet methinks 
It waked a chord within me. We are dull, 



AMERICA. 63 

We spirits of the nations — slow to read 
The great decrees of God. 



ANGEL. 

Yet if thou hear, 
There comes a strain on ruder voices borne, 
Of more terrestrial import. Hear what songs 
O' nights thy warriors sing, who lift their hearts, 
Counting thy praises oer in measures wild. 
That yet through harmony of loving truth 
Claim in thine ear a welcome. List! they come. 

VOICES OF SOLDIERS SINGING. 

Mr St C hones. 

Who will thy glory sing. 

Land fair and wide? 
Who make thy name to ring 

Loud, in his pride? 



64 AMERICA. 

Sure never land like thee 

Meriteth song, 
Sweet soil of liberty, 

God bless thee long. 

How the sad age of men 

Painfully crept! 
Thee, in his mighty arms, 

Ocean still kept. 

Still, save of soulless things, 

Cattle, or bird 
Through the wild wood that sings, 

Voice was not heard. 

Save the wild hunter tribe. 

Feeble and few. 
Thee, and thy gifts in store, 

Ko man yet knew. 



AMERICA. 65 

Then, in his faithfulness, 

God, o'er the sea, 
Guided the stately ships 

Even to thee. 

Second Chorus. 

Wide was the portal thrown, 

Swiftly they came. 
Left the close prison-house, 

Bondage and shame. 

Sick of old tyrannies, 

Forms that were dead, 
Life that in fetters lay. 

Hither they fled. 

Then, from the people's heart 

Went a new cry, 
"Liberty! Liberty!" 

Win her, or die. 



66 AMERICA. 

Out of thy coast, my land, 
Went forth the voice, 

How did the fettered ones 
Shout and rejoice! 

Here on thy soil, my land, 
Stood, face to face. 

Slavery, Liberty, 
Each for the race. 

Here on thy soil, so dear, 
Once and for all 

Was the great battle set: 
How shall it fall? 

Mrst Chants. 

Made ye not answer loud, 
Fathers renowned ? 

Answer — that tyrant-hearts 
Quailed at the sound? 



AMERICA. 67 

Answer — when lifting 

In liberty's name, 
Our star-lighted banner 

Ye fought for the same ? 

Always in glory bright 

Nobly maintained ? 
Unto your true-born sons 

Handed unstained! 

All. 
Lo ! for the battle-rage 

Still waxes high, 
Liberty ! Slavery ! 

One is the cry. 

Still the one battle-field 

Where it began. 
Still the same banner bright 

Floats in the van. 



68 AMERICA. 

Still the wide world looks on, 

Knowing before. 
Freedom, here falling, 

Falls evermore. 

Shout, O America ! 

Shout, unto these. 
Shout, O great mountains ! 

Lakes that are seas. 

Shout, O ye mighty shores 

By either flood ! 
Shout! ye brave hearts of men 

Rich with true blood. 

Shout ! that not utterly 

Freedom shall fail, 
God hath uplifted her, 

Bids her prevail. 



AMERICA. 69 

Who stands to live for her, 

Who stands to die, 
Hark! from thy valleys deep 

Millions reply- 
There bleed the noble sons 

Where the sires bled. 
Land, thy true-hearted ones 

All are not dead. 

Still art thou glorious. 

Land fair and wide. 
Worthy our joyous hope. 

Worthy our pride. 

Still we shall shout from thee. 

Loud o'er the sea. 
Hither, ye captive ones, 

Haste, and be free. 



70 AMERICA. 

AMERICA : {after a jmuse.) 

They pass and leave night silent, but their song 
A happier thought hath wakened. That new mood. 
Born of my trouble, seems awhile to yield. 

ANGEL. 

Forget thy sorrow. Think as thou wast wont, 
Take up thy courage. Think with these brave 

souls 
On what thou wast, and art, and yet mayst be. 

AMERICA. 

In no mean place the Lord of heaven and earth 
Hath set me, and I know that deed of his 
Assures me safety, if I hold his word. 

ANGEL. 

Not for thyself thou art, but he through thee 
Poured favors out on man. So if thou fall. 
On man, and not on thee, shall rest the loss. 



AMERICA. 71 

AMERICA. 

Angel, I know that man is dear to God, 
And that since earth began, his love outruns 
The nimble-footed sin with swifter stride. 

ANGEL. 

Though evil seem to conquer, yet that show 
Shall vanish, and the conquered rise to snatch 
A laurel from the bosom of defeat. 
Stay up, stay up thy heart ! 

The Spmrr of Rebellion appears. 

AMERICA. 

Ha ! ha ! what shape 
Lowers at me from yon glen — ^my blood grows 

thick 
With curdling horror. — Back ! — avaunt, thou foe ! 
Still it advances, — and with threatening glare 
Its looks assails me — all my spirit fails. 



72 AMERICA. 

The storms that shook return with wilder rage; 
I faint, — I perish. 

ANGEL. 

Still I hold thy hand. 

SPIRIT OF REBELLION. 

Now is my work accomplished, I can choose 
Some summit of these hills, and without need 
Of further motion, watch the play proceed 
To consummation ; as in prosperous years 
When rain, dews, winds, sun, and heat-shrouding 

clouds 
Are in the farmer's counsel. He but waits, 
His seed once planted, till the germs mature, 
And the rich autumn bring, without his toil, 
The spoil forecounted. — Nay, I even take 
First fruits of triumph, as in many ways. 
So also now, proud tyrant, seeing thee 
Stand there with threatening looks, so impotent. 



AMERICA. 73 

Haughty thou wast, and boastful from tlie first, 

And as I note thee, still. I like it well. 

No less contempt shall wait upon thy fall. 

Or scorn surround the mention of thy name 

Forever after; when I've proved to men 

Of what vain wind, and worse than empty breath 

Thy promises were made. I like to think 

How soon my foot, that once could not be bold 

To cross thy threshold, scarce the ]3ains will take 

To push thee from the path by which I walk 

To perfect empire. — Is the lightning left 

That scorched me once or twice some time ago, 

Leaping from eyes so vengeful ? I am healed 

And stronger for the seasoning, and have proved 

The quality of those tires. Lo ! here I stand 

Prevalent, of their fury unafraid. 

Already master of a subtler force. 

Deadlier to those I hate, as well thou knoAvest, 

Writhing even now beneath it, though so still . 

In awe-affectinc: calmness thou canst stand 



74 AMERICA. 

As words disdaining. Yet I know thy tongue 
Hath not lost j^ower of speech, that hath betrayed 
Thy weakness to these winds, now muttering out 
Through every cave and hollow of the hills 
Defeat and fear and grinding agony, 
Proving thy soul more abject than the slave, 
Blindfold beneath the thick descending lash. 
Still proud, still silent ? But a step or two 
I take, and smite that circlet from thy brow 
That marks thee still as sovereign. 

Spikit of Union appears^ and speaks. 
Back, accursed ! 
Stand back, till first thy fell and impious hand 
Accomplish my destruction: then, with mine 
That sacred life shall own a tie so close 
There needs no blow directer. Both thine aims 
End thus in one. 

BEBELLION. 

Whence then hast thou appeared ? 



AMERICA. 75 

I struck thee, left thee prostrate, thought thee 

dead : 
For not my steel I trusted, nor my strength. 

Knowing thee vigorous, — but with careful skill 
And slow invention, such a poison mixed 

As, entering thy fair body with the wound, 
Fouled all the taintless blood. I smile to see 
The marks of such disturbance, in black lines 
Written so thick all over that soft skin, 
Once spotless in its brightness, — in quick breaths, 
Twitchings of restless features, as if pain 
Pulled at the strings of life, and in thy limbs 
Some strange distortions, such as were not wont 
To mar their godlike grace. I gather hope, 
Seeing at least, if not the very self, 
The ante-signs of death. 

UNI01S-. 

True is thy word, 
Yet not all true, O boaster! Even thou — 



^e AMERICA. 

N^ay ! none so Avell — hast knoAvn that art nor 

spell, 
Could mix a drug so potent, but this frame, 
If strong in native health, should cast it out 
As fountains what defiles them, or else change 
And make subservient. So thy purposed vrork 
Was longer and more secret. Ere I knew. 
Strange languor unexplained, importing ill. 
Had taken half the vigor from these limbs, 
And dull and creeping symptoms of disease, 
More fatal, as less noticed, paved the way 
For death to enter, when thy bolder hand 
Should thrust him on me, at some chosen hour. 
Such was thy plan ; but if the end shall prove 
The crafty venom, and the open sword, 
Both impotent alike, and greater strength 
Born of the greater contest, and the proof 
Of native force unguessed, imtil the act 
Of agony that tested, then to me 
Pure gain accrues, and this not last nor least. 



AMERICA. 77 

I know my foe, I know him and his might, 
And all his ways of cunning, and shall meet 
Henceforth as one so armed. — N^ay, I believe 
Already thou hast felt thy blows recoil. 
Which, if it should imply, though felt at first 
But slightly, some such vast and hideous ill 
As that fell stroke intended, aimed at me, 
If failure meant defeat, and not to slay. 
Thyself to lie at last among the slain, 
Perchance thou now canst guess. What ! dost 

thou start ? 
Some eloquence within, that met my words. 
Filled out my meaning there, and caused thee 

make 
That gesture of despair. 

REBELLION". 

Such speech is cheap ; 
I skirmish not with breath. A twinge that came 
And passed before 'twas felt, means something else 



78 AMERICA. 

I fancy, than thy sounding threats portend. 

Failure? — Ha! Ha! —Defeat? — I take thy sense 

To be some other than old custom sets 

To such articulations. But, for thee, 

What madness holds thee? What hast thou to do 

To save this crazy state ? I with main strength 

Have snapjDcd thy weakened cords, felt long ago 

As fetters, lately proved more dissoluble 

Than once thy boastings gave us leave to see. 

What's left to thee, selfstripjDed — by flattering talk 

Of freedom, loyalty enforced by love. 

Willing submission to an equal yoke. 

Felt so as none — of power that might have dwelt 

In bonds coercive? That vile cant o'erthrown, 

I scarce have need to measure words with thee. 

■ insT:oN. 

Fiend ! whose foul plots, and now more open war, 

Have marred so far the fair tranquillity 

That like an atmosphere had wrapped about 



AMERICA. 79 

This country of my choice, — know that not vain 

The slow advance of ages, not in vain 

That noble state now stands, whose living sap 

Is imion. This, both power and law, shall prove; 

Obeyed in joyous freedom, while men know 

Their highest glory, but, this wisdom lost, 

Still are they used, not using. Still goes on 

The mighty deed of life. They cannot choke 

The ample channels, but the genial tide 

Finds soon a way, sweeps them along its course. 

Flows on triumphant. Still my glorious tree 

Uprears its giant branches to the sun. 

Brother of clouds and dew, and gathering strength 

From storms alike and sunshine, — from soft airs 

Sighing among its summer-painted boughs. 

And frosts, whose slender needles prick among 

Its tender roots in winter. Still returns 

The season of its fruitage, food and joy 

Remain, and shelter good for all who come. 



8o . AMERICA. 

KEBELLIOX. 

Deal tliou in breath. For me, I'll cut thy tree, 
Ay ! hew it at the roots, and turn it up 
To whiten in the sun. What ! canst not see 
(I know not why I wait and talk with thee) 
In what a hell of ruin thou art j^lunged, 
Thou, and thy favorites Avith thee ? Look about, 
Come up to yonder height. We can from thence 
Behold our arguments, all spread about 
In forms of ready logic. Lo ! what sight 
Confutes thee ere thou speak. The world can see 
What love thy nurslings, dandled on thy knees, 
Bear thee — grown old enough to understand 
What fools thy flatteries made them. And for 

those 
Who stand as in thy name, to trample down 
The natural rights and lawful liberties 
Of their so cherished brethren, why, 'tis plain 
Against thy vrill they do't, and o'er thy neck 
Rush on that foul injustice. I am glad 



AMERICA. 81 

Tlioy did not tamely yield. Their act refutes 

Tlieir reason for it, and thee and them involves 

In such a paradox as endless time 

Shall never reconcile. I'll leave thee then 

To deal with that. My part to glory now 

In full success, that long ago o'erpassed 

The boundaries of my hope, and swells each day 

Into a very ocean, flooding wide 

Thy old dominion, soon by strictest search 

To be discerned no more. 

Spirit of Slavery appears. 

What ho ! good friend. 
Welcome, old comrade, yet what storms of wrath 
Brew in thine eyes, and seem on me to fall? 

SPIRIT OF SLAVERY. 

O boaster ! without me, what hope hadst thou 
To stir this mighty fabric, now o'erthrown, 
Because I, I was in it from the first 



^2 AMERICA, 

Laid in among the mortar and the stones 

That seemed its firm foundation, — deeper yet 

A fatal quicksand, underneath it hid, 

And as its solid walls securely rose, 

Pinned in, among the rest, a timber fair 

To outward sight, but inwardly corrupt 

And crumbling to the hammer. This being so. 

How could it else but fall? I grudge thee much 

Thy self-exalting — but am thus content. 

When the last crash shall come, that scarce had 

come 
So soon, but for thy meddling, as I own. 
But little shall be left for thee, or me. 
Or any, nay, I know not who shall gain. 
I lose my great security, but thou 
Mayst go to sleep forever, since thy deed 
Shall safely thrive, nor any end be found 
Of that rank harvest; as an evil seed 
Will spread, and spread, till none can root it out, 
But all the land is poisoned. 



AMERICA. 83 

REBELLION. 

What care I? 
My end is gained. — And boast not thou so loud, 
As sole efficient of my finished deed, 
Though thou alone wert ruin. Other beams 
Wormed through, I know, and rotten to the heart, 
Built into this fair house, thougli painted o'er 
So well that none save I, whose eyes have searched 
Each undiscovered flaw, had found it out. 
Nay, I could make confession larger still, 
Sweep all in one, and say, that sin itself. 
All weakening, all corrupting, both in thee 
"Working, and elsewhere, — under social forms, 
Uses of commerce, policies of states, 
Castes, customs, private lusts, and public Avrong, 
Sin is my guaranty, excites my hope, 
Finds me a foothold, puts his hand with mine 
And crowns me when I triumph ! O'er this land 
I look, and see it drowned and choked with sin; 
Toward God I look, remembering that his throne 



84 AMERICA. 

Eudured not sin of old, and this old scar 
Of his once headlong vengeance stirs me up. 
I call on him to help me, — rather nse 
My arm, to bring his ready thunders down 
On these oifenders. Sucli a prayer I tliink, 
E'en from my lips well suits him, whom I know 
A God of justice. 

AMERICA. 

Is there none to help, 
Am I then given np an niigrudged prey 
For hell to feed on, while the heavens look down 
From their high place approving ? Was it this. 
This so near bourne, and limit set to all. 
That from fate's niggard hand, w^ithout my prayer, 
Tempted so lavish bounties ? Summers short 
Are plenteous, but my fruits are yet to taste. 
My vines ungathered, nay ! the cruel snows 
Cut off the very flow^ers that from their stalks 
Nodded in sweet assurance of the time, 
So far from winter's threshold. Ah ! too soon 



AMERICA. 85 

Mine hour has found me, and tlie hounds of deatli 

Smell out my hidden crimes, to tear them down, 

Me with them also, me and all whose life 

Had centred at my heart. Shall it be thus ? 

O God ! shall sin prevail ? — shall former grace 

Count nothing ? Is there nothing in me left 

To claim thy pity even ? — no faith, no trutli ? 

No loyalty, no wide beneficence, 

Without the hope of guerdon exercised ? 

ISTo spark of any virtue, that should shield 

A little from these storms ? — yet should I plead 

The things my soul remembers ? doubtless all 

Stand imeffaced forever in his book. 

He knows, and yet his judgments fall like hail, 

And I lie bruised beneath, and can not rise. 

Voice of Earth is heard from lelow. 

EAETH. 

Cease noAV, my daughter, cease this vain lament, 
For Avhat to thee hath happened, save the lot 



86 AMERICA. 

Conimon to nations ? From mine ancient seat, 
Since God appointed man to tread my face, 
Mine eye hath marked his goings, and discerned 
Of all his plans and hopes, his marvelous schemes 
And high achievement, one sole end assured. 
When for himself and them he seeks at last 
Some chamber of my always open grave. 
All over my broad surface, East and West, 
Lie strewed the wrecks of empires, that his hand 
Once raised to glory, — but no base so strong 
His hand contrived for any, that some wind 
Of adverse fortune brought not down at last 
Its towering pride, and made it lie as low 
As each that w^ent before it. All alike 
Proclaim in long succession how his work 
Is error, all, and failure. If he hits 
Some hidden wisdom in his random j)ath, 
Still he o'erlooks, or, seeing, underrates. 
Or, rightly understanding, yet prefers 
The present pleasure to the greater good, 



AMERICA. 87 

Or choosing well, yet through unsteadfast will 

Lets slip erelong the treasure half secured, 

And with the crowd goes headlong. This last 

proof 
Should not for aye be lacking, and thy name 
Must to thy mighty list of perished states 
Add yet its fading lustre. Why shouldst mourn 
If as thy fame was greater, so thy fall 
Comes sooner ? Not to heaven impute the cause, 
Nor on thyself too heavy burden lay 
Of rash remorseful censure. Since with man's 
Thy destiny is one, thy wisdom still 
Swayed by the rule of his, and as he is 
Thou art in all things, while of him I know 
No virtue constant, but his every deed. 
Like that same dust of which his God him made, 
Owns fealty to winds, and changing tides. 
Rather than any law by truth prescribed. 
Or reason in him planted. So my soul 
Yearns o'er him still, seeing him always own 



88 AMERICA. 

His ancient kinsliip, and so well betray 
What unto me belongs of all he is, 
Though lifted high among the meaner tribes 
Of my less gifted offspring. Well I know 
The source of his decay, nor greatly chide 
That frailty, by whose sure effect at last 
He lays his head down, whence he reared it first. 
And mingles with my clods his glorious frame. 

Thou also be content,. I counsel thee, 
Take now thy portion as it fills, and share 
The fortunes of tliy lord. For thou shalt lose 
With life, no good that should not cost thee dear 
Beyond its i^roper worth, through cares and toils, 
Anxieties and fears. But shorter fate 
Implies thy sorrows shorter, and thy doom 
Less terrible, than if through longer course 
Of years, prepared, and fruit of many crimes. 

AMEEICA. 

Are tliese tlic voices that pronounce my doom? 



AMERICA. Sg 

Earth! thou hast spoken. Now let Heaven unfold 
Her portents, then will I believe. 

REBELLTOX. 

Look up, 
Behold tlie siu'n ! — O thou aecursed lisiht ! 
Mine eyes are blinded. 

A:n^gel of Veis^geaxce descends tcitJi a flam- 
ing scroll^ open in his hand, jSpeaks. 

Over this foul land 
I hang the doom that God's just wrath awards 
Unto its many crimes. A little while 
The cloud of indignation shall uphold 
Its black tempestuous burden — e'er it rend 
The covering of the heavens, and be i^oured out 
In one wide wasting ruin. Let men read 
Tlie condemnation, manifest to all. 
The doom of such a land as lifthig high 
The cry of justice, liberty for all, 



90 AMERICA. 

Hath still apprbvecl, and cradled at her side 
The worst of wrong, the tyranny whose shame 
Gives every other leave to lift again 
Its head, once bowed before her arrant boasts. 
And at her text's brave comment sneer and laugh, 
A land that makes of freedom and of right 
Excuse for every sin, whereby man mocks 
His God, and harms his brother, and pollutes 
The very founts of blessing, turning all 
To j^oison and a curse. For such a land 
Behold God's sentence. From the sin shall come 
The ruin more direct than arrow flies 
From bended bow, or from the widening breach 
The wall's destruction. So that all shall know 
What caused this utter fall, and see therehi 
And praise the perfect justice of our God. 

AMERICA. 

Pity ! O Lord ! Thus groveling on my face, 
Thus without plea, excuse, or any hope. 



AMERICA. 91 

Save in the one Name though hast taught to man, 
I still remember, though the pains of death 
Take hold upon my soul, that thou art Love. 

The Angel of Meecy descends. 

SLAVERY. 

I fall! I fall! blasted with utter light. 

ANGEL OF MERCY. 

Swift messenger of vengeance, I at last 
O'ertake the meteor course that fell so swift, 
Since first the word went forth, down the steep 

chasms 
Of yawning night, to bear the signs of wrath ; 
But in my mouth another speech was put. 
Another scroll than thine my hand enfolds. 
Thine open is, mine sealed. — Thy message, clear, 
Thy proclamation in all ears resounds, 
But mine is secret still. Yet be it known, 



92 AMERICA. 

Seeing that God hath sent me, there is hope — 
Mercy still lives, and heaven forgets not man. 

AXGEL OF COMFOFvT. 

Lift up thy head, O stricken one ! and drink 
The balm that Heaven vouchsafes thee. 

A3IERICA. 

I thank God! 
And yet my heart is dull, my brain confused, 
I understand not any thing. I seem 
A field once fliir and fruitful, which the storms 
Have beaten, and the water-Hoods made waste. 
Which, though the rain hath ceased, lies prostrate 

still, 
Mingling its riches with the muddy soil. 

AXGEL. 

Take comfort. 

AMEKICA. 

Is there j^ardon then, in truth ? 



AMERICA. 93 

Shall I yet flourish as in days of old ? 

Oh ! that I heard the voice of destiny, 

My soul should listen, while the great decree 

Fell from his lips that can not speak but right. 

The AxGEL OF Desti:n'y descends. 

AlS'GEL OF DESTINY. 

O Spirit of a nation ! whose high state 
And happy lot hangs now to view of men 
Balanced upon the edge and turning-point 
Of some most fearful change, which, once com- 
plete. 
Implies to man great loss, hut to his foes 
New and most signal triumph. I am come 
At hearing of thy voice, and to thy prayer 
Such answer bring as leaves inviolate still 
The things ordained as secret, till their time 
Brings their unfolding. Unto Him that rules 
Leave also perfect knowledge. But take thou, 



94 AMERICA. 

Freely vouchsafed, such light whose honest use 
Shall make thee wise enough for all thy need. 
Xo new disclosure from the pitying skies 
I bring, but things thine ears have often heard 
Unheeding, things once known, but, in this strait, 
Xot present as they should be to thy thought. 
Though nearest to thy need. For much men err, 
Straining their eyes towards heaven, as hoping 

thence 
Some special gift to tumble from the blue, 
While all they lack lies waiting at their feet, 
And trips them ere they heed it. Ready lies, 
Provided long ago, the utmost good 
Unto man's want proportioned : but his looks 
Turn not that way, and thou, allied to him, 
By equal error blinded, now must learn 
Thy youth's fii'st lessons o'er, w^hich, though they 

sound 
Simple, are worthy yet an angel's tongue. 
Know first, or first remember, to what end 



AMERICA. 95 

Nations arise or perish. Hast thou heard 
Of these each several record, what began 
Their upward courses, what to each belonged 
Of greatness, how they served, and how betrayed 
Each cause sublime committed to their trust ? 
How of their worth, continuance, of their crime 
Decay ensued and fall? One work for all, 
Varied in each by nature's several bent, 
Eternal love intended — but alike 
All turned aside, and to some private lust 
Debauched their glory. Love, not turned so soon 
From that fair plan, made even wills averse 
Serve unaware and minister some good 
To bless the ages, though themselves w^ere left 
To take their ow^n poor choice, and lose at last 
Even that part of good, whose scanty charms 
Enticed them from the whole, and so their fall 
Came close upon their grandeur's utmost height. 
Their service done, some new estate of powder 
Swallowing the past, — itself foredoomed to know 



96 AMERICA. 

Like limits in the future —- these in most 
Adjusted by some happy natural gift, 
Tact, genius, power to rule, or warlike might, 
Or skill in commerce, yet in all alike 
Proportioned to one plan — whose exigence 
Shortened their time of empire, or drew out 
To length, by no internal worth explained. 

A^IERICA. 

Too well I knew, too well, the common doom, 
And how comes back the thriftless prodigal 
A beggar to the gates. I counted not, 
But lavished out my portion. It is just. 

A]SrGEL OF DESTINY. 

Yet think more deeply if thou Avouldst be wise. 
And know that fruitful root whence trouble 
springs. 

AMERICxV. 

Speak — that I may be wise, in hearing thee. 



AMERICA. 97 

A]S'GEL OF DESTIXY. 

States are ordained for man, — he in himself 

Being that proper state, whose government 

Employs the eternal counsels. There behold 

The first disorder, anarchy and schism. 

Which from the one the many doth infect, 

And breeds the public ills. He, since he fell, 

No longer stands in archetypal grace 

The perfect pattern after which should rise. 

Fair in proportion, strong in unity, 

The social fabric. Rather in him reigns 

Confusion, all his faculties at war. 

The noblest put the last, the mean ones first. 

These trampling those, and those through slavish 

fear. 
Or cramped and dulled with suffering, yielding 

still 
Compliance undue, implying all alike 
Debased and miserable. Seest thou well 
What evils vex the nations? Should the sea 



98 AMERICA. 

Be sweeter than its waves, or wilt thou make 
Out of much dust, one pearl ? 

AMEEICA. 

Though I aspired, 
I aimed beneath perfection. 

ANGEL OF DESTINY. 

Yet below 
That mark, what safety? 

AMERICA. 

Angel! I am bold 
As one who pleads for life. States are as man, 
So hast thou taught me, — vexed and overthrown, 
Because, through disobedience, he hath lost 
The harmony within. Yet unto man 
Hath God vouchsafed no hope ? Why then 

goes on 
This agony ? Wliy rather doth not heaven 



AMERICA. 99 

Shut down at once the awful night of doom 
And make an end forever? 

ANGEL OF DESTINY. 

Yet if God 
More gloriously had wrought, — some brighter 

thing 
Had caused to spring amid this wreck of time? 

AMERICA. 

1 praise him ! — for he dealeth wondrously. 

ANGEL OF DESTINY. 

For he hath bought redemption, at what price 
Archangels dared not utter, till his deed 
Taught their rapt ears another name for love, 
By whose effect the man, a higher strength 
Receiving, set in tune with perfect law 
In all the powers he owns, need never fear 
A second time to lose his happy lot. 



LofC. 



loo AMERICA. 

Assured by mighty tokens, both from God 
And manifest within. Seest thou that state, 
Through all whose members perfectly had wrought 
Such marvelous healing ? Seest thou what life 
Were hers, what fearlessness, what sure defense 
Against all foes without ? Of foes within 
What confidence, and how her wealth's increase. 
Her wisdom, power, and gladness had no bound ? 
Though such an one on earth hath never been, 
IsTor yet one perfect man (save He that joined 
To man's the strength divine) hath walked un- 
stained 
Her paths j^olluted, yet the grace of heaven 
Makes earth a place to work in, here prepares 
Parts of a pure and precious harmony. 
Whose full accord shall all at once swell out 
Uj^on His chosen day — and thrill afar 
The angels in their music-bearing spheres. 
Out of these ruins, scattered far and wide. 
Betokening only loss, shall God upbuild 



AMERICA loi 

A city of his own, a state composed, 

Not after dead and outward rules of law, 

But by the vital energy of love : 

A growth, complete as any fairest flower 

That brightens in the sun, or vine that tempts 

With plenty sweet the thirsty passers by. 

But thou, O scarce believing ! scarce aAvare 

What words like these portend, lift up thine eyes. 

And tell me what report they bring thee home. 

AMEEICA. 

Angel ! the vision is of other days, 
New things I see and men, a realm of peace 
Transfigured with pure light, whose sacred touch 
Makes beauty where it rests. How my dull 

thoughts 
Slink back ashamed, while I behold indeed 
My fairest dream's fulfillment, but set high 
Above its utmost daring. See what grace, 
What dignity, what glory decks the form 



102 AMERICA. 

I know as man's ! Angel ! deceive me not, 

Are these my cliilclren, mine that walk the streets, 

The golden pavement of that city fair? 

Familiar are their faces as the sun. 

And now as glorious. Whither are they come ? 

And by what path? and how shall men aspire. 

As rightly hoping such estate of bliss 

May at the end receive them ? And to me 

What signifies this sight, which thou hast shown, 

Intending me some comfort, and to lift 

My soul above the loss this hour portends? 

ANGEL OF DESTINY. 

This is the kingdom, and the reign of God, 
Whose deep foundations, long in secret laid, 
Shall stand unshaken, when the shows of things 
Called real have vanished. Then shall come to 

view 
What underneath this gross external shell 
Matured unseen its strength, and drmik in life 



AMERICA. 103 

Where all in death seemed silent. Then shall 

shout 
All creatures that are ministers to man, 
Seeing at last their homage and their faith 
Approved, apd sealed as just, while he appears 
All glorious, of the many works of God 
Fairest and , most divine. So also thou 
Canst not be else than glad, knowing before, 
That surely as the truth of heaven prevails, 
Out of thy thorniest cares, thy woes and pains, 
This flower shall blossom, and its odorous heart 
Be opened to the skies. Hence, first of all 
Take comfort, and as this can give suj)23ort, 
Measure the hope that yet some wished for task 
Awaits thy willing hand, — not yet expired — 
For One whose love can estimate aright 
Her office and its end — the proper term 
Of happy service. By this law is sealed 
The destinies of nations, first, as each 
Bears on its earthly face some likeness fair 



104 AMERICA. 

Of that celestial pattern, shows to men 

Some shadow of that grace, and by sucli laws 

Is governed, as in that pure liberty 

Work out the life of lov^e, — to gifts so fair 

Continuance shall not fail, He that bestows 

Such wisdom, shall not lightly make it vain. 

Yet on a safer hope thy heart may rest, 

Since 'tis the perfect state that God regards, 

Making all histories and acts of time 

That way to w^ork, that meaning to Avrite out 

Letter by letter, till he finish all. 

Thou, working with him too, with willing heart 

Lending thine aid, not blindly, but that light 

Well used — so freely poured, that many err 

Slighting the common gift, — so shalt insure 

Triumph in every conflict — unashamed 

Meet all the fierce assaults of earth and time. 

Xay ! could this be, could any state on earth, 

So armed with constant wisdom, turn her eyes 

From shows of power, to truth's enduring crown. 



AMERICA. 105 

Then might she hope one day, without much loss 
Even of that she seemed, to drop aside 
With her loved pupil, man, this dress of clay, 
And mount, complete in robes of victory. 
The welcome-giving skies. 

AMERICA. 

Well do I know 
This can not be for me, yet through thy word 
My heart revives. I see a hope, at last 
Strong confidence upholds me, that my cause 
Wars not with truth, and that her foes are mine. 
Therefore, O angel ! while my many sins 
Oppress me, and the follies of my sons. 
So that, with these weighed down, I scarce can 

lift 
My forehead from the dust, I yet recall 
Teachings not wliolly slighted, light vouchsafed 
In some peculiar measure, not unused, 
And mercies shown in timely chastisements, 



io6 AMERICA. 

Whereof I thiuk my thoughts, in after days 
Taking account, shall reckon as not least 
Measured by previous sin, or present pain, 
Or after fruit of good, this that now turns 
My sweets to bitter. — Of these things I take 
Some balm of glad assurance, well can trust 
That pitying guidance still, that led my feet 
Into this wilderness, apart from men, 
And showed me things that others had not known, 
And new and separate mercies, — knowing well 
How I should use them, knowing too, I trust, 
How by his faithful providence, my ways 
Should ever . be amended, till their course 
"Went clear and straight to right and happy ends. 
Xot in this flush and promise of my morn 
Doth he intend such ruin, not so soon 
That I, with all the fresh and untried gifts 
He, for the sake of man, bestowed on me, 
Should o'er the brink of such destruction foil. 
So never more, I fear, to human wish 



AMERICA. 107 

Such promise would return, but all in vain 

His heart go mourning through the coming days 

The irretrievable and perfect loss. 

ANGEL OF DESTi:NTr. 

Well dost thou argue from man's threatening loss 

Some token that the love which folloAVS man 

Will for his sake deliver, — well dost trace 

The future's promise, written in the past, 

Since of one piece is all that work divine 

Done on the face of earth, and if thy heart 

Tell thee, and conscience whisper in her seat 

That, howsoever thou hast gone astray, 

Yet, thou hast prized God's favors, canst recall 

Some nse he must approve, some acts of love, 

And liberal deeds of world-wide charity. 

Some help accorded from thy happy seat 

To those who strove with famine, or the hand 

Of ready welcome reaching out to meet 

The fugitive and wanderer in their need ; 



io8 AMERICA. 

If with sucli memories thou canst prop thy lieart. 
Glad be thy courage then, though not to rest 
Even here too surely — since thy best of deeds 
Paid not thy debt, and if that heavenly love 
Has some great good thy blind eyes could not 

see 
Wrapped in this present ruin, not for thee 
The plea of well desert, and blessings used 
In full and glad obedience. Rather this 
Should be thy stay, whatever thee befall. 
The vision shall not fail, — thy youth's pure dream 
Shall yet prove real — thou hast not been in vain. 

AMERICA. 

Strange comforts, angel, dost to me propose ; 

But thou, I think, to some sublimer sphere 

Dost lift my thoughts, companioned with thine 

own. 
Well ! — if the mood might last. Yet who that 

once 



AMERICA. 109 

Unto the power of truth hath yielded up 
His soul within him, ever quite shall lose 
The memory of that sweetness ? So to mine 
This moment's revelation shall be gain 
Whatever come behind, and for all war 
My spirit with new strength be fortified. 

AKGEL OF DESTINY. 

Yet farther counsel. If the Avill of Heaven 
Intend thee now deliverance, and once more 
Thou at the head of nations stand, in hope 
And joyful promise; thus lienceforth be wise 
By aims that follow God's, — by justice shown 
In public deeds, by liberal works of love, 
By virtue cherished, and the fear of God 
In hearts of all thy children, — by good laws 
Matured in thoughtful wisdom, thrusting out 
With sharp or gentle force the evil code, 
Oppression's hateful renmant, — by all acts 
That lift the state, and give it surer hold 



no AMERICA. 

On God's great mercy manifest to man, 

Unto thyself secure a longer course 

Of prosperous wealth, and to thy happy sons 

A heritage secure, which, used aright. 

Shall be the pledge of nobler good to come, 

Beyond the region and the reach of storms 

That rage amid the shows and forms of time. 

AMERICA. 

Angel ! I listen, and thy words are good. 

ANGEL OF DESTINY. 

See ! earliest rays of morn begin to light 
Faint signals in the East. For thee begins 
A day of doubtful conflict. Yet be strong, 
Be valiant, lend thy soul no more to fears. 
But use thy hopeful courage, all shall be 
As God disposes, and shall so be well. 

FINIS. 



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